Self gripping rack with snap-on flexible strap

ABSTRACT

A rack for holding articles such as propane tanks. Two holders having curved sides are attached by a flexible strap and rest on top of two of the tanks to form a seat for a third with the attached strap. The strap extends around the periphery of the holder through a series of H-shaped cutouts in order to hold the strap firmly in position by friction and to form a pad to prevent damage to the surface of the tank. Anchors may also be provided made of a tube with a central rod placed therein between which the strap is placed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/344,058 filed on Jan. 3, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a self-grippingflexible rack for stacking articles such as propane tanks and moreparticularly to a self-gripping flexible rack having a flexible strapextending around the rack holder body.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Various types of racks are known for stacking and transportingarticles such as propane tanks. With their round configuration, it isdifficult to transport a number of large tanks due to legal limitationson the size of the truck. In addition, the racks may be heavy and bulky,thus taking up additional space and adding an extra load to the truck,leading to increased fuel usage. It is also often necessary to use acrane or multiple people to place the rack on the truck, leading toincreased costs.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,412 describes a rack system which is a majorimprovement over prior art systems. In this rack system, a pair ofholders, each having curved sides to match the shape of the propanetank, are joined by a flexible strap. The strap acts as a seat for anadditional tank placed between the original two tanks onto which theholders are placed. Because of the small size of the holders and strap,it is possible to carry additional tanks on the same size truck. Theweight of such rack is considerably less than prior art systems, whichreduces the weight on the truck and allows for easy installation by asingle person. In this system, the strap is connected to the holder bysewing the end of the strap to make a loop and inserting a bolt throughthe holder and the loop to fasten it in position. In order to preventany damage to the paint on the tanks, pads are placed along thecontacting surfaces of the holders.

[0007] While this system was a major improvement over prior art devices,the placing of the pads requires considerable time, using skilled laborand laboratory conditions to install. When pads wear out and need to bereplaced, it is necessary to sand the metal to acquire a clean surface.As a result, the metal parts must be relatively thick so that multiplesandings do not reduce the strength of the holder. The holders must thenbe heavier than would otherwise be necessary. The loop formed by sewingthe end of the strap is weaker than the other parts of the system andaccordingly limits the amount of weight the system can hold. Also, theoperations of sewing a strap and inserting a bolt require a certainamount of time and cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a rack for stackingarticles such as propane tanks on a truck or other vehicle.

[0009] The present invention also provides a rack on which articles canbe shipped without damage.

[0010] The present invention further provides a lightweight rack whichis easily installed manually.

[0011] The present invention also provides a rack which is easilyassembled.

[0012] The present invention further provides a system which is easilyassembled by unskilled labor at a low cost.

[0013] The present invention still further provides a rack system havingholders made of thin metal parts to reduce the weight of the system.

[0014] The present invention still further provides an anchoring devicefor holding a strap on a rack.

[0015] The present invention still further provides a strapping systemfor holding articles such as propane tanks.

[0016] The present invention is accomplished by providing a rack havinga plurality of holders for receiving round articles. A flexible strapextends between two holders made of metal. The flexible strap acts as aseat for an article placed between the holders. The flexible strapextends around the periphery of each holder through a series of cutoutsfor easy assembly. The strap can also be attached to a simple anchoringdevice including a length of tubular material having a slot formed alongone side for receiving the strap and a second solid cylindrical rodwithin the tube around which the strap is placed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which aregiven by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of thepresent invention, and wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one holder of a rack of the priorart;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a side view of a rack of the prior art;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a holder of the rack according tothe present invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a holder of the rack according tothe present invention with the flexible strap attached;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a side view of the rack of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tube used in an anchor of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an anchor having a strap attachedthereto according to the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 8 is an end view of the anchor shown in FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a side view of a locator rack including three anchorsaccording to the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a top view of a cutout according to the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a holder according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of one side of a rackaccording to the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 13 is an end view of a rack system of tanks according to thepresent invention;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a strap used in arack of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 15 is an end view of a rack system with tanks showing anotherarrangement according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 16 is an diagram showing an arrangement of a strap used forholding tanks according to the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional end view of the anchor shown in FIG.8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,and more particularly to FIG. 2 thereof, wherein a rack 10 according tothe prior art is shown. This rack includes two holders 12 and 14 towhich a flexible strap 16 is attached. Each end of the strap is formedinto a loop through which a bolt 18 is placed. A series of holes 28 areprovided in each holder, so that the position of the bolt can be variedto vary the length of the strap. One of the holders 12 is shown in moredetail in FIG. 1, including four sides 20, 22, 24 and 26. Along theperiphery of the holder are placed pads 30 to prevent damage to thepaint of the tanks or other articles which are held by the rack. FIGS. 1and 2 correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,412 whichdescribes in more detail the construction of this prior art device.

[0036]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a holder of the presentinvention. Holder 12 includes sides 20, 22, 24, 26, as in FIG. 1.However, in the present invention, the pads 30 are not used, nor is bolt18 used to hold the end of the flexible strap. Instead, the four sidesof the holder have H-shaped cutouts 32 formed therein. As shown in FIG.10, each cutout is formed of two parallel openings 60 extending across alarge portion of the width of each side and joined by a narrow opening62 extending perpendicularly thereto. The number of cutouts on each sideis variable and depends on the size of the holder (and hence the size ofarticles held), and the weight of the articles held. For example, fourcutouts may be provided on longer sides 22 and 24, two on side 20 andone on the shortest side 26. If desired, side 26 may be extended to havethe same dimension as side 20, so that the holder is symmetrical.

[0037] Each of these cutouts is used to receive the flexible strap 16.Instead of anchoring the end of the strap using a loop and boltarrangement, the strap is wrapped around the four sides of the holder bybeing received within each H-shaped cutout. The strap may be snappedinto place either by threading the strap into one of the two parallelopenings and out the other, by folding the strap lengthwise andinserting the folded portion through the shorter connecting openingbefore releasing the fold or by inserting the strap edgewise into theopening, and then returning it parallel to the side. This operation iseasily handled by an unskilled worker and can easily be accomplished ina short period of time. The cutouts act to hold the strap in position byproviding a certain amount of friction. The total amount of frictionprovided by a series of cutouts along the four sides is often sufficientto hold the strap against the weight of the tank being carried. However,if necessary, the end of the strap can be anchored in a fashion to bedescribed below to further prevent movement of the strap.

[0038]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the holder 12, as shown in FIG.3, but with the strap in position. As can be seen, the strap extendsinto each cutout and then lies on top of the corresponding side holderbetween cutouts. Since the strap can be present on all four sides bysnapping the strap into place around the entire periphery of the holder,pads 30 are no longer necessary. That is, the strap itself acts as a padto prevent damage to the articles being held. This results in greatsavings in the construction of the device since the strap is easilysnapped into place, as described above, compared to the requiredcleaning and gluing arrangements necessary to place the pads inposition. Equally importantly, since the pads are not present, there isno need to sand the side pieces during a pad replacement procedure.Accordingly, the side pieces may be made of much thinner material, whichmakes the holder much lighter in weight. This allows a single person toeasily place the rack in position without the need for a crane or otherhelp.

[0039] Although FIG. 4 shows a single strap extending to the left fromholder 12, in fact the end of the strap from both sides 20 and 24 extendto the left to form a double thickness strap holding the tank betweenthe holders. It would be possible for one of these straps to merely befolded around the corner of the holder while the other strap continuesso that it is held in place. If desired, the strap can also be lockedinto place using an anchor as described later.

[0040] In order to make minor adjustments in the length of the strap, itis also possible to insert shims between the strap and the center of theH-shaped cutout to increase the strap length by the thickness of theshim. Long shims may also be used for longer adjustments by forming alarge loop on the backside of the cutout. Such an arrangement is seen inFIG. 12 where in a cross sectional view, one side of the holder, such as20, receives strap 16 to form a loop on the backside of side 20. Shim 70is inserted into the loop in order to tighten the strap. If desired, theshim may be used to secure the strap firmly by having a shim largeenough to take up all the slack of the strap.

[0041] If desirable, it would also be possible to place extra paddingbetween the strap and the sides of the holder. This can be in the formof a sleeve through which the strap passes. In this arrangement, thesleeve does not move in relation to the tanks, but the strap can bemoved within the sleeve for tightening the strap, if necessary. Thisarrangement also prevents any rubbing between the strap and the tanksurface to prevent any damage to the surface of the tank.

[0042] By extending the strap around the periphery of the holder, thepadded area of the holder becomes much larger than by the use of pads.This provides an additional protection to the articles being held. Thedevice also is stronger since the sewn loop is no longer present, whichremoves the weak point of the holder. While some additional cost isrequired to form the cutouts in each side, this is relatively cheaplyand quickly accomplished either by cutting with a torch or using otherforms of metal working such as punching or cutting. The cost for thesesimple operations is considerably less than the operation of sewing theend of the strap, forming a series of holes and inserting a bolt and nuttherethrough. In addition, the metal of the holder may be considerablythinner, reducing the weight of the device and the cost of making it.

[0043] Although the cutout shape has been described as an H-shape, anyshape which will hold the strap in position may be used as long as thestrap extends around the periphery of the holder and is held firmly inposition. Other possible shapes include a simple slot cutout extendingacross the width of a side of the holder. A loop of the strap may beinserted through the slot and a simple pin or rod placed in a loopbehind the slot. If the width of the rod with a loop passed therearoundexceeds the width of the slot, the strap will be held in position. Thatis, the tightening of the loop against the backside of the slot addssufficient friction to prevent the movement of the strap. Anotherpossible shape of a cutout is a simple circle. This may be used for theshim arrangement as discussed above, so that the strap is easily placedthrough the circular opening and the shim inserted therein so as to takeup any slack in the strap and lock it in position. Any number of othershapes are also possible. Also, other arrangements for holding the strapin position may be used, which do not use cutouts, as long as the strapextends around the periphery of the holder.

[0044] Although the preferred width of the strap is about 4 inches forcarrying standard propane tanks, any width can be utilized depending onthe size and weight of the object carried. Also, more than one thicknessof the strap may be utilized in order to provide thicker padding.

[0045]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the rack of the present invention,which may be compared to FIG. 2 showing the prior art device. The strap16 forms a similar seat for a tank and holders 12 and 14 have a similarstructural construction except as noted above. However, as can be seenin FIG. 5, the strap 16 continues around the periphery of each holderexcept where it extends into each cutout. For ease of illustration, thenumber of cutouts on each side has been reduced and the extension of thestrap away from the side has been exaggerated.

[0046]FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In thiscase, channel material is used for the four sides of the holder, ratherthan using flat material for the four sides and two ends. When the solidends are utilized, the sides and ends must be welded together. By usingchannel material, only the ends of each side need to be welded. Thiscuts costs in the construction of the device. At the same time, theoverall weight of the device is considerably less. Since the upstandingparts of the channel material do not extend as far as the width of theholder, openings are formed on each end of the holder. As a result, itis possible to reach inside the holder in order to more easily placeshims or rods to adjust the straps. However, because of the strength ofthe channel design, very little strength of the holders is lost in thisprocess.

[0047] Since tanks come in many different sizes, further arrangementsare sometimes necessary in order to best utilize whatever space isavailable on a truck. For smaller tanks, a different arrangement of theholders is desirable. As seen in FIG. 13, a large number of tanks, suchas 13 may be placed on a flat bed truck using the arrangement shown. Inthis arrangement, the holders use a symmetric design where sides 20 and26 are the same dimension. The holders are placed with their longestdimension in the vertical direction, or 90° to the direction shown inFIG. 2. Because of this arrangement, the strapping proceeds in adifferent arrangement than shown in the earlier figures. However, thesame concept of extending the straps through cutouts on the sides of theholder continues. In this figure, the various holders are labeled 12.Each tank 72 carries a bottom holder or foot 74 and various controls orfiller openings 76. The holders must be of large enough width that thereis space between the tanks for the controls and openings. The feet shownhave the bottom of the tank in contact with the center part of the feet,as a space saving measure. By using arrangements such as this, it ispossible to have thirteen 30 inch tanks placed on a standard flat bedtruck using a holder having a 5.725 inch width at its center.

[0048] In order to support the tanks which are on the outside and hencecantilevered, a different type of strapping arrangement is utilized forthe holders. The arrangement of the strap is shown in FIG. 14. Twoholders and a strap connect three tanks together as a unit. The strapstarts at point A and extends along the bottom side of the right handrack through two cutouts. It then proceeds under the center tank andthrough cutouts on the bottom edge of the left hand rack. The strap thenextends under and around the left hand tank and extends over the top ofthe center tank and right hand tank and then down and under the righthand tank to return to point A. At this point, the strap extends up theright hand side of the right hand rack. When it reaches the top of theright hand rack, the strap is placed over itself at a point between thecenter and right hand tanks. By looping this over, portions of the strapthat extend horizontally across the top to the right hand tank aresupport firmly the right hand rack. It would be also possible to sew orotherwise connect the two parts of the strap together at point D ratherthan looping it over the top. At this point, the strap extends downalong the left hand side of the right hand rack through the appropriatecutouts and also extends under the center tank. Then it extends up theright hand side of the left hand rack and loops over the top portion ofthe strap at point C in a fashion similar to that at point D. The strapthen extends down the left hand side of the left hand rack and ends atpoint B. Two ends of the strap may be anchored by sewing, by using ananchor described later or may be held by the friction developed in thecutouts. By strapping three tanks and two holders together in thisfashion, it is possible for the assembly to be lifted by a forklift byextending forks under the racks, or by lifting from above by pulling upthe strap along its top section, such as to the left of point C and tothe right of point D. When these units are placed in a stack, the tanksabove force downwardly on the upper racks and firmly hold the tanks inposition.

[0049] A similar arrangement can be made for the units which have twotanks and a single rack which go between the layers of the three tankunits on a truck. It would also be possible to utilize holders whichextend only half way in the vertical direction. However, the strapscontinue upwardly to points C or D and return down to the half rack inthe same fashion as the full rack. Fewer cutouts will be engaged by thestrap using this arrangement. However, if sufficient anchors areprovided otherwise, this is a viable option. The advantage of this isthat the weight of the rack is reduced, lowering shipping costs.

[0050] Some tanks are made without feet or controls extending outwardlyradially from the tank. These type of the tanks may be stacked in asimilar fashion. As seen in FIG. 15, these tanks 72 may be placed inalternating rows of three or two tanks. In this arrangement, a rack 80may be used which is similar to the half rack described above, but wherethe width between tanks is reduced to zero. That is, adjoining tanksactually touch, with the rack forming a more or less triangulararrangement between adjoining tanks. With this kind of arrangement, anassembly of three tanks and two racks can be utilized if desired.However, as described above, using a half rack requires that the strapextend without a rack in the vertical direction until it reaches thehorizontal portion of the strap extending over the tops, of the tanks.The arrangement of tanks shown in FIG. 15 is especially desirable foroverseas shipping containers and allows additional tanks to be insertedin this space.

[0051] As seen in FIG. 16, it is even possible to utilize the strappingarrangement without the rack itself in a fashion similar to thestrapping arrangement shown in FIG. 14. The strap starts at point Abetween the left tank and the center tank, extends around the left handtank and returns to point A. The strap then continues over the top ofthe center tank to point C and on around the entire center tank toreturn to point C and then continue on to the right hand tank, by way ofpoint B. The strap extends around the right hand tank and returns topoint B. As is seen, the strap is doubled along the top part of thecenter tank and is also doubled from point A to the left hand tank andfrom point B to the right hand tank. At points A, B and C, an anchoringis preferably fashioned to connect the loose end strap and also toconnect the two overlapping straps together. At points A and B, thepreferred method is to use an arrangement such as shown in FIG. 17 wherea tube and rod arrangement receive two layers of strapping. In thesecases, the tube 40 may be attached to a flat plate which has a slot overthe opening of the tube. The plate may then have an additional openingto use as a lift attachment. The rod 44 utilized may be any of the typesof rods or bolts described above and especially, the lag and boltarrangement. If desired, the plate may be provided with a slot and a rodwithout the tube. The weight of the tanks pulls the rod firmly againstthe slot in the plate and anchors it in position.

[0052] At point C, it would be possible to use a similar tube and rodarrangement if desired. However, the preferred method is to use a tubeand rod attached to a metal channel. This provides the plate with morestrength when lifting and also provides extra safety to prevent the rodfrom slipping beyond the channel legs. While these fasteningarrangements are preferred, because of their simplicity of installing,it would also be possible to sew the straps together at the variouslocations. Since the straps extend all the way around each of the tanks,they provide extra padding to prevent damage when the system is lifted.The arrangement of tanks may be lifted from the plates at point A and Bas indicated above.

[0053] As noted above, it is sometimes necessary to provide additionallocking for the strap either on one of the holders or in othersituations. FIGS. 6 through 8 and 17 show the use of an anchor which maybe used in conjunction with the rack described in FIGS. 1 through 5 orin other situations. The anchor consists of a tube 40 which has anopening 42 cut in the face thereof. The tube 40 may be a piece of metalpipe or conduit and the opening 42 may be cut using a torch or othercutting implement. In operation, a rod 44 may be placed within the tube40 and a strap 16 inserted in the opening, around the rod and back outthe opening. This is best seen in FIG. 8. Given the proper dimensions,the strap will be tightly held in place between the tube 40 and the rod44, adding enough friction to prevent the movement of the strap evenunder heavy loads. For example, tube 40 may have an internal diameter of¾of an inch and the rod may have an external diameter of ½inch. If thestrap is ⅛inch thick, there is just sufficient clearance between the rodand tube to receive the strap. There is constant contact between thesides of the strap and either the inside of the tube or the outside ofthe rod. This frictional arrangement holds the strap firmly in position.

[0054] It is also possible to have two or more thicknesses of the strapextending into the tube as shown in FIG. 17, if there is sufficientclearance between the rod and the tube. FIG. 17 shows a similararrangement to FIG. 8 but with the end cut away to show the openingthrough which the straps are received. In this arrangement, two separatestraps 16A and 16B are anchored together. The tube may also be attachedto a plate or channel member as described above. This is especiallysuitable where the two thicknesses eventually extend in differentdirections, such as straps 16A and 16B. This allows the straps to beheld by a single anchor. Two straps may be desirable for additionalweight capacity in some cases. The size of the tube or rod can beadjusted so that additional strap thicknesses can be accommodated ifdesired.

[0055] While rod 44 has been described merely as a solid cylindricalobject, it may instead be replaced by a nut and bolt arrangement. Thus,it would be possible for both the head of the bolt and the nut (usedwith a washer if necessary) to be tightened on opposite ends of thetube. This would prevent any movement of the central rod. It would alsobe possible for either the head of the bolt or the nut, or both, to havea diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tube so that as thebolt is tightened, compression is applied to the strap in the directionof the length of the bolt. This causes the strap to be narrowed, withthe excess material filling any openings between the rod and tube, thusincreasing the frictional engagement of the strap with the anchor. It isalso possible that if the screw threads of the bolt are in contact withthe strap, then they will become embedded in the strap to further holdthe strap in position.

[0056] Another particularly desirable possibility is use of a lag boltrather than a bolt and nut arrangement. When the lag bolt is screwedinto position, the screwed threads imbed themselves in a strap. Becausethe threads come to a point rather than a blunt end as in a standardbolt, the lag bolt threads into the strap more easily. In addition, oncethe bolt is screwed into position, it is possible to tap the end of thebolt with a hammer so that the hexagonal head is forced into thecircular opening in the tube. This prevents the head of the lag boltfrom turning so that the strap is held more firmly. It has beendiscovered that the heads of lag bolts are just slightly larger than theinner diameter of the corresponding tubes and that this arrangementworks particularly well.

[0057] Other possibilities also exist, such as providing a tubularinsert between the head of the bolt and the top of the strap or betweenthe nut and the bottom of the strap. These inserts would have aninternal diameter just larger than the central rod 44 and an externaldiameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 40. This willallow the nut and bolt to be tightened to apply pressure to the strapwhile allowing the nut or bolt to be more easily accessible outside theend of the tube.

[0058] While the preferred material for the anchor and rod is metal,other materials can also be used such as wood or plastic materials, aslong as the strength requirements are provided.

[0059] This anchor may be used in any situation where a flexible strapneeds to be held tightly. An anchor can be provided along the peripheryof the holder so that after placing the strap through the H-shapedcutouts, the end may then be firmly held in place. The anchor can bewelded or otherwise attached to the holder. The anchor can be attachedon side 26 which is not in contact with any of the articles in the rack.Alternatively, the anchor could be recessed at any surface of theholder.

[0060] Another use for the anchor is on a locator rack which is placedon the floor of the truck before assembling the articles thereon. Such adevice is shown as element 42 in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,412.However, in this prior art arrangement, arcuate indentations 44 areformed in a solid support 42 in order to receive the circular articles46. In order to avoid the need to have padding, the present inventionuses an anchor on the locator rack. As shown in FIG. 9, a bar or othersupport 50 extends across the floor of the truck. Trapezoidal shapedelements 52 are attached to support 50 and act to hold curved piece 54in position. These three parts may be welded together or otherwiseattached. Curved piece 54 matches the curve of the wall of the articleto be stored.

[0061] Anchors 56 are provided on the bottom side at each end of wall 54and on the bottom side in the center of wall 54 also. Either wall 54 maybe discontinuous at this point to receive the center anchor, or anopening may be cut in the wall above the opening in the tube of centralanchor 56. Strap 16 has one end fixed in one of the end anchors and thenextends over the face of wall 54 to form a pad for the article to beplaced thereon. It is anchored in the center by the center anchor andthen extends up the other side of wall 54 to the other end anchor. Ofcourse, the strap may be of double thickness for thicker cushioning.

[0062] Other arrangements of the locator rack are also possible. Thusthe locator rack does not necessarily have to have wall 54 and couldinstead have anchor 56 directly mounted on an upstanding brace so thatthe strap itself forms the holder for the article.

[0063] Another arrangement for the locator rack is to use a rack whichhas a larger size than that of the tank. On a point about halfway orhigher on each side of wall 54, a roller is provided which is mounted onan axle so that the top of the roller extends above the surface of thewall. The strap extends around the bottom of the roller so that the tankcan come into contact with the roller. It is often desirable to rotatethe tanks in order to save space. This can be accomplished by tippingthe tank over to one side so that it contacts the roller and may then berotated to the position desired before being returned to the centerposition of the locator rack. This is a major improvement over pastprocedures which usually are accomplished by prying against the tanksurface with a two-by-four or similar stiff lever. This system allowsthe tank to be repositioned without damage to the paint. However, oncethe tank has been returned to the center portion, it is held and inplace safely and rigidly.

[0064] The strap which has been discussed can be of any material such ascloth, nylon, polyester and any other flexible material. The onlyrequirement is that it be flexible enough to assume the shape of thearticle which is placed on it and that it be strong enough to withstandthe weight of the article. Such materials are well known and are usedfor strapping and carrying heavy loads to be lifted by cranes, forholding heavy loads in place on trucks, ships, trains or the like and inother environments where strong and flexible materials are necessary.

[0065] The present rack has been described in terms of holding articlessuch as propane tanks on a truck. However, this device may be used inother situations such as on other kinds of vehicles or in warehouses. Itcan also be used in other articles which are round in configuration orfor articles having other shapes.

[0066] As discussed above, this particular arrangement allows the rackto be built at a lower cost and is lighter in weight for easierhandling.

[0067] Numerous additional modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed:
 1. A rack for holding articles, comprising: at leasttwo holders; and a flexible strap joining said holders; each of saidholders having a surface for resting on an article and another surfacefor receiving an article thereon; said flexible strap extending aroundat least part of a periphery of each of said holders, forming a padbetween said holder and adjoining articles.
 2. The rack according toclaim 1, wherein each of said holders has cutouts formed along saidperiphery for receiving said flexible strap therein to form a frictionfit with said flexible strap.
 3. The rack according to claim 2, whereinthe cutouts are H-shaped cutouts.
 4. The rack according to claim 2,wherein the cutouts are I-shaped cutouts.
 5. The rack according to claim2, wherein the cutouts are O-shaped cutouts.
 6. The rack according toclaim 2, wherein said flexible strap is adjustable by placing shimsbetween said strap and said periphery.
 7. The rack according to claim 6,wherein said shim firmly secures said strap.
 8. The rack according toclaim 1, wherein said surfaces are made of channel material.
 9. The rackaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one sleeve throughwhich said strap extends.
 10. A holder for a rack, comprising: aplurality of surfaces for receiving articles carried by said rack;cutouts provided along said surfaces; and a flexible strap extendingalong said surfaces, forming a pad between said holder and saidarticles; said strap extending through said cutouts for forming afriction fit therewith to hold said flexible strap in position.
 11. Theholder according to claim 10, wherein the cutouts are H-shaped cutouts.12. The holder according to claim 10, wherein the cutouts are I-shapedcutouts.
 13. The holder according to claim 10, wherein the cutouts areO-shaped cutouts.
 14. The holder according to claim 10, wherein saidstrap is adjustable in length.
 15. The holder according to claim 10,wherein said surfaces are made of channel material.
 16. An anchor forholding a flexible strap, comprising: a hollow tube having an opening ina wall extending in the axial direction of the tube; and a rod extendingthrough said tube; and an outer diameter of said rod being less than aninner diameter of said tube by an amount approximately equal to twicethe thickness of a flexible strap; wherein said flexible strap isreceived in said opening and extends around said rod to form a frictionfit between an exterior surface of said rod and an interior surface ofsaid tube.
 17. The anchor according to claim 16, wherein said rod is abolt.
 18. The anchor according to claim 17, wherein said bolt receives anut at one end.
 19. The anchor according to claim 18, wherein said nutand bolt may be tightened in order to compress said strap to hold itmore firmly.
 20. The anchor according to claim 16, wherein said rod is alag bolt.
 21. The anchor according to claim 20, wherein a head of saidlag bolt is slightly larger than said inner diameter of said tube sothat said head may be forced into said tube to prevent the lag bolt fromturning.
 22. A holder for a rack, comprising: a plurality of surfacesfor receiving articles held by said rack; at least some of said surfaceshaving cutouts formed therein; a flexible strap received in said cutoutsfor forming a friction fit with said strap; and an anchor for receivingan end of said strap and holding it firmly by way of a friction fit. 23.The holder according to claim 22, wherein said anchor includes a hollowtube having an opening in a wall and a rod extending through said tube.24. The holder according to claim 23, wherein an outer diameter of saidrod is less than an inner diameter of said tube by an amountapproximately equal to twice the thickness of said flexible strap.
 25. Alocator rack for receiving articles to be stacked, comprising: a base; aplurality of upstanding brackets; and each of said brackets havingattached thereto an anchor; and a flexible strap having ends received insaid anchors for being firmly held therein; said strap forming a seatfor an article to be stacked.
 26. The locator rack according to claim25, further comprising a curved wall placed on said brackets over whichsaid flexible strap is placed to receive said article.
 27. The locatorrack according to claim 25, further comprising an additional anchormounted on said base for receiving said flexible strap near a mid-point.28. The locator rack according to claim 25, further comprising at leastone roller mounted on said base and extending above a surface of saidbase.
 29. A system for holding a plurality of articles, comprising: atleast one flexible strap; said strap extending around said articles;said strap intercepting itself at at least one point, with ends of saidstrap being secured; wherein said strap causes said articles to be heldtight when lifted and when other articles are placed thereon.